The patient had a significant family history of coronary artery disease, diabetes and hypertension. His father and brother both died at a young age—63 and 59, respectively.

He had tried multiple modalities to lose weight, including conventional weight loss, phentermine and numerous exercise programs. Despite all these efforts, he had been unsuccessful in maintaining any significant weight loss.

In July of 2008, the patient underwent gastric bypass. Since then, he has lost more than 130 pounds (100% of his excess body weight). His co-morbidities of GERD, sleep apnea, shortness of breath and joint pain have all resolved.